Understanding an Important Religious Group in Syria

Syria is in a precarious place as it emerges from civil war and a long dictatorship. The recently announced removal of U.S. sanctions bring hopes that the economy might stabilize. Another challenge is Syria's population— it is one of the most diverse countries in the Middle East and with that comes competing demands and priorities from various groups. NPR's Jane Arraf takes us to southern Syria, near the border with Israel and introduces us to one of the biggest minority groups, the Druze.

A Druze woman holds her baby daughter at the shrine. Emily Garthwaite for NPR hide caption

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Emily Garthwaite for NPR

A Druze woman holds her baby daughter at the shrine.

Emily Garthwaite for NPR